A tool has been developed to predict the probability of waitlisted ticket getting confirmed at the time of booking as well as during Passenger Name Record (PNR) enquiry of waitlisted ticket. The tool has been developed using the algorithm of Machine learning.

The machine learning model has been developed using the waitlisted PNR data of past 2 years. This model creates the pattern for the various waitlist scenarios and predicts the probability for the future date journey. Currently this feature is integrated with Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website only. In IRCTC website this feature is operational w.e.f. 13 June, 2018 as under:-

When the user is doing the booking transaction, and if the status of accommodation availability of the inputted journey is waitlisted, then the user can check the probability of confirmation. At the time of PNR enquiry of waitlisted ticket, the user can check the probability of confirmation. As far as trends of confirmation chances and cancellation chances probability is concerned, it is informed that it varies depending upon peak and lean periods, type of trains like short distance trains, long journey trains, trains with limited stoppage, etc.

In the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS), confirmed berths/seats are allotted on first come first served basis till the availability and thereafter Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC)/Waiting List tickets are issued. The status of RAC/Waiting List tickets get automatically updated against the cancellation of confirmed berths/seats and also against release of unutilised reservation quotas.

To facilitate those passengers who have to undertake journey at short notice and to save such passengers from the clutches of unscrupulous elements/touts, Tatkal scheme of reservation is available where the accommodation becomes available for booking on the previous day of journey from train originating station. Further, with a view to providing confirmed accommodation to waiting list passengers and to ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation, a scheme known as Alternate Train Accommodation (ATAS) known as “VIKALP” was introduced as a pilot project in November, 2015. This scheme has been expanded to cover all type of train on all sectors from 01.04.2017. For this facility, waiting list passenger has to give an option at the time of booking of ticket & passengers with waiting list status at the time of preparation of first reservation charts are shifted to other trains, subject to availability of vacant accommodation.

In the computerized PRS there is already a provision to permit cancer patients and their attendants travelling on concessional tickets issued in exchange of concession certificate, to directly access Emergency Quota at the time of booking itself. Maximum number of berths/seats out of the Emergency Quota in a train, which can be accessed by Cancer patients and their attendants in Sleeper, is 4 and 2 each in AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier, AC 2 tier and First Classes. In addition, separate Cancer Patient Quota has also been defined in some identified trains. Moreover, instructions are also there that in case requests are received for confirmation of berths out of emergency quota from patients who have to undertake journey for checkup like cancer treatment and dangerous ailments which cannot be postponed due to compelling circumstances, the same should be considered by quota controlling authority as per extant norms so as to accommodate to the extent feasible after satisfying themselves of the genuineness of travel.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

On Indian Railways, reserved accommodation including Tatkal accommodation can be booked through computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) on first come first served basis. During peak rush periods/days when demand outstrips the availability, reserved accommodation especially in higher classes and on popular routes gets exhausted within short duration of opening of reservation.

However, during lean periods, on non-popular and lower classes, the accommodation remains available for longer duration. The phenomenon is more relevant for Tatkal where limited accommodation is earmarked. This happens as the available limited accommodation is accessed simultaneously through more than 10,300 counters at 3465 computerised Passenger Reservation Centers as well as through internet.

To avoid misuse of Tatkal Scheme, there are some inbuilt features in Tatkal scheme which includes provision of not granting refund on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal tickets except in case of certain special circumstances indicated in the scheme, not allowing any modification of Tatkal ticket, etc. Some additional steps have also been taken to facilitate the passengers and to avoid the misuse, some of which are:-

• Imposition of minimum time limit before proceeding for payment gateway as well as after making payment while booking tickets through internet.

• Making OTP(one time password) compulsory for all net Banking Payment options.

• Disabling authorised agents to book Tatkal tickets during first half an hour of opening of reservation.

To keep a check on the activities of touts, preventive as well as regular checks are conducted jointly/individually by Vigilance, Security and Commercial Departments, and the action against the culprits is taken as per provisions of Section 143 of Railways Act, 1989.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

Policy on earmarking of berths on demand from IRCTC for value added tour packages – IRCTC New Rules

Policy on earmarking of berths on demand from IRCTC for value added tour packages

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAILWAY BOARD)

No. 2013/TG-I/20/P/VAT

New Delhi, Dated: 05.02.2018

The Principal Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways

(COMMERCIAL CIRCULAR NO. 09 OF 2018)

Sub: Policy on earmarking of berths on demand from IRCTC for value added tour packages.

Please refer to this office letter of even number dated 06.05.2016 (CC No. 23 of 2016 and corrigendum thereon) forwarding therewith detailed features of the poiicy on earmarking of berths on demand from IRCTC for Value Added Tour (VAT) packages

2.The matter has been reviewed and it has been decided to amend following provisions of the scheme.

3.The revised provisions mentioned above will be implemented for a period of one year during which a quarterly assessment will be made on financial impact on Indian Railways revenue and if required the review of policy will be undertaken.

Para
No.

Existing Provision

Revised Provision

2.1

For each berth utilized by IRCTC, IRCTC shall pay the full fare plus 25% service charge. No concession whatsoever shall be admissible on such tour package ticket. Ticket for child, senior citizens, etc. shall also be issued on full fare. The method of arriving at the fare including the service charge and deposit is illustrated in the annexure

For each berth utilized by IRCTC, IRCTC shall pay the full fare plus 15% service charge. No concession whatsoever shall be admissible on such tour package ticket. Ticket for child, senior citizens, etc. shall also be issued on full fare.

3.1

Out of total berths earmarked for this purpose for IRCTC, not more than 20% of the earmarked berths shall be permitted for cancellation. No cancellation shall be permitted within 48 hours of the scheduled departure of the train

No cancellation shall be permitted within 48 hours of the scheduled departure of the train.

4.This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of this Ministry. These instructions will take effect from the date of issue of this letter.

This is in line with the emphasis given by Railway Minister on increased use of information technology to promote transparency.

All bills will be settled within 30 days of its receipt.

In a significant move to enhance transparency in the processing and settlement of bills, Indian Railways have introduced a bill tracking system for contractors/vendors of Indian Railways to track status of their bills. This is in line with the emphasis given by Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal on increased use of information technology to go digital and online with a view to promote transparency and efficiency in the system.

The vendor/contractor need to register with the online IT platform developed in house by CRIS, New Delhi called Indian Railways E-Procurement System (IREPS). The registration enables the vendor/agencies to see their bill status with dates through various stages of processing of bills, the stage at which it is lying, the amount for which it is passed and other details. The history feature is also available so that a vendor can see the history of the bills submitted. The bill tracking facility is available to the vendors/contractors of goods and services. The infirmities in the bill that need to be addressed are also visible to the vendor/contractor. The bill details are available on http://ireps.gov.in. It has been further reiterated that all bills will be settled within 30 days of its receipt.

To facilitate the vendor, a help facility has also been added. Detailed user Manuals are uploaded on the site for easy access and is available on the learning centre link of the home page of IREPS.

Surge Pricing on Premium High Speed Train Services and Flexi Fare System

In written reply, the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain said that there is no such fare structure of ‘Surge Pricing System’ in the Parliament recently.

No such fare structure has been introduced by the name of surge pricing. However, w.e.f. 09.09.2016 Flexi Fare system has been introduced in Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains.

Under this system, the base fare increases by 10% with every 10% of berths sold subject to maximum ceiling limit of 1.5 times in classes Second AC, Sleeper, Second Sitting (Reserved), AC Chair Car and 1.4 times in 3rd AC class. No change has been made in the fares for Ist AC and Executive class of travel.

There is mixed response from different quarters on the introduction of Flexi fare system. Based on the feedback received, review have been made on Flexi fare system and the provision of Tatkal quota has been reduced from maximum 30% to 10% of the total berths availability. Further 10% discount has been offered in all trains including Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains on the vacant berths after preparation of first chart.

In view of variable fare structure, the fare may or may not be higher than Air fares. The flexi fare system has been introduced only in Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains. Other Mail/Express and Superfast services are available on the normal fare structures. It cannot therefore be said that this mechanism will divert traffic from Railways to Airways.

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